Vehicle Seat State Sensing via Vibration Signal Similarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat state sensing technologies in transportation means rely on direct measurement of physical quantities like seat position, angle, and load, which are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Utilize vibration detectors installed in seats and the vehicle body to calculate the similarity between detected vibration signals to sense seat states such as slide position, reclining angle, and orientation, eliminating the need for additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct measurement methods (sensors for position, angle, load) are used to sense seat state, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration detector originally designed for noise control purposes is made to serve dual functions: noise control and seat state sensing. By analyzing vibration signals from the same sensor, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors for seat state detection, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement systems (position sensors, angle sensors, load cells) with an indirect vibration-based sensing approach. By detecting changes in vibration characteristics and calculating similarity between reference and current vibration signals, the system infers seat state without direct mechanical contact measurements, simplifying the overall system
2Measurement precision
If multiple dedicated sensors are installed for each seat state parameter, then measurement precision is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration detector performs multiple functions simultaneously: noise control and multiple seat state sensing (position, angle, load). This multi-functionality reduces the total number of sensors needed while maintaining comprehensive seat state monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the noise control vibration detection function with the seat state sensing function into a single integrated system. By combining these functions and analyzing vibration signals through similarity calculation, the system reduces sensor quantity while achieving comprehensive seat state measurement
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Senses seat states simply and at low cost, improving accuracy and reducing device size and cost by leveraging existing noise control systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first vibration detector that is installed in at least one seat of a vehicle, detects vibration, and outputs a first vibration signal
Data Source
AI summary
A seat state sensing device includes a first vibration detector that is installed in a seat of a vehicle, detects vibration, and outputs a first vibration signal, a second vibration detector that is installed in a vehicle body near the seat, detects vibration, and outputs a second vibration signal, a first calculation unit that calculates a similarity between the first vibration signal input from the first vibration detector and the second vibration signal input from the second vibration detector, and a sensing unit that senses a seat state including at least one of a slide position of the seat in a front-rear direction of the vehicle body, a reclining angle of the seat, and an orientation of the seat with respect to the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, based on the similarity calculated by the first calculation unit.